Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage

Dear Readers, 

We are always so enlightened when we research the history of declared celebratory months in our country. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is no different. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 1978 Congress passed a resolution creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. The observance expanded to a month (May) in 1992, which coincided with two important events in history: the first Japanese immigrants in the United States (May of 1843), and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, using Chinese laborers. (Prior to that, the first documented Asians in the Americas were the Filipinos who landed in what is now California in 1587. In 1788, the first Native Hawaiians arrived in what would become Oregon.)

Originally, in the 1970s, congressional staffer Jeanie Jew first approached Representative Frank Horton with the idea of recognizing Asian Pacific Americans. As an update, in 2009, President Obama signed a Proclamation which recognized the “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” Then, in 2021, President Biden declared it “Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.” 

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council announced that the theme for the May, 2024 celebration is “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation.” This theme “Pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our AANHPI history and continue to influence our collective future. Innovation, resilience, and a pioneering spirit are cornerstones of American leadership. AANHPI leaders have made lasting contributions to our Nation’s economic prosperity, technological advancements, and social/political change through their ingenuity and creativity while navigating significant cultural and systemic barriers.”

By the numbers, and according to the 2021 census, there are approximately 20 million people of Asian descent in the United States; 35 is the median age; the largest population resides in Hawaii at 56.6 percent; and Asian-owned businesses make up about 10 percent of all businesses in 2020. 

Along with this introductory information, please enjoy the many faces, stories, and local resources we have explored in the May 4, 2024 issue. Whether we enjoy food trucks, dragon boats, or local artists, let’s celebrate this delightful culture in Our Town.